Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in New Jersey

Retail ''Theft'' Restitution

Over 4 Years ago I was involved in what the store I worked for said was theft. However the ''theft'' of merchandise for less than $200 was committed by another person...and the merchandise was returned before the store realized it was gone. They fired me and forced me to sign some restitution agreement, which I didn't even know what it was at the time. Now they send me a letter from a ''law firm'' telling me I need to pay around $500! Is this legit? Or is it just a scam to try to get some money from me? The items were all returned to the store by the person who took them in brand new condition. I don't get how they can try to force me to pay twice as much, and it being so much time has passed.


Asked on 5/09/07, 7:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Gibson John W. Gibson, Esquire

Re: Retail ''Theft'' Restitution

If the agreement was over 4 years ago you have the defense of the statute of limitations if the store files a civil complaint. Upon the facts you describe, you may also have a cause of action against the store and/or its law firm under the Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act and/or the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

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Answered on 5/10/07, 10:19 am


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